Scientists discover 91 new volcanoes

Scientists have just discovered 91 new volcanoes, volcanoes that they previously didn't know existed. The new volcanoes were identified in West Antarctica. Together with the previously known 47 volcanoes, this means it's the region with the largest concentration of volcanoes on Earth.

All of the "new" volcanoes were identified under the Antarctica ice sheet with sizes ranging from 100m to 3850 meters. While it's not known whether any, or how many, of the volcanoes are still active, some scientists say that an eruption on the icy continent could have major effects on climate change.

The volcanoes were found by using ice-penetrating radar while looking for hidden peaks of basalt rock (something usually found atop of volcanoes) and analysing the measurements of them. Then the findings were also compared with satellite data as well as geological information and database records.

"After examining existing data on West Antarctica, I began discovering traces of volcanism. Naturally I looked into it further, which led to this discovery of almost 100 volcanoes under the ice sheet." -- Max Van Wyk de Vries, scientist who conducted the study.

have your say

What's the point in that?Scientists seem to do some pretty strange things at times. It is hard to imagine how many of their endevours could possibly ever bring any benefits to society. Is there any point in this kind of research?

The Super VolcanoThe eruption of a super volcano would plunge the Earth into an ecological nightmare that is almost past understanding.I have to admit something right off the bat. I love natural disasters. Dont get me...

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